Fast Facts about Stroke
- Every year, there are around 795,000 people in America suffering from a newly diagnosed or recurrent stroke condition.
- Stroke ranks third among the most common causes of death in the United States.
- The condition is the biggest cause of long-term disability in American adults.
- Nearly one out of 17 deaths in the country happens because of a stroke.
- Every 40 seconds on an average, someone in the country suffers a stroke.
- The occurrence of stroke is more common in the African-Americans.
A stroke can be termed as an attack on the brain, which can essentially happen at any time to anyone at all. It usually occurs when the brain does not receive its required supply of blood. It deprives the brain cells of nutrients and oxygen and that causes the cells to die. When the brain cells die, the functional abilities that part of the brain is responsible for are lost – this usually results in loss of muscle control or memory.
The extent of damage caused by a stroke will vary from one person to another. It is usually dependent on the location and size of the part of the brain that gets damaged. Depending on the extent of damage, some people may be able to completely recover from a stroke, but in most cases, a stroke patient will survive with some form of disability.
Symptoms
The red flags for a stroke can occur suddenly. Keep an eye out for any of these symptoms to get timely medical attention to treat your condition.
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, leg, arm, or one particular side of your body
- Unexpected loss strength, vision, coordination, speech, sensation, or trouble in understanding speech
- Dim vision in one eye. This usually occurs suddenly.
- Unexplained loss of balance. This might be accompanied by nausea, hiccups, vomiting, fever, or troubled swallowing.
- Severe unexplained headache that occurs suddenly after which you rapidly lose consciousness
- Loss of consciousness for a short span of time
- Sudden falls or unexplained dizziness
Most signs of a possible stroke are mistaken for common health troubles by many until it’s too late. Hence, at even the remotest possibility of experiencing any of these symptoms, visit a doctor immediately.
Recommended Supplements
While eating a healthy diet and regular exercise helps to manage Stroke, it is not enough to keep you fit and healthy. Supplements are essential for managing Stroke and reducing its symptoms. But it should be kept in mind that supplements should not be used to replace the treatment for Stroke. It is not always true that natural products are safe for use. Many products can react with your body and produce an adverse reaction. Thus, it is better to be safe and consult your before starting to use any supplements for managing your condition.
The following supplements have proven to benefit people with Stroke:
Bilberry
Bilberries and other related berries (huckleberries and blueberries) are rich in anthocyanidins. Anthocyanidins are chemical compounds that prevent the clotting of blood that may lead to blocked arteries and reduced supply of oxygen and blood to the brain – the leading cause of ischemic stroke.
Garlic
Garlic is a fantastic natural remedy for preventing the chances of stroke. This wonder herb cuts down cholesterol levels n the body, regulates healthy blood pressure, thins the blood, and acts as an anti-clotting agent that thwart the coagulation of blood in the body. Garlic is great for maintaining optimal circulatory health.
Turmeric
Turmeric has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. Turmeric contains curcumin – a chemical compound that has anti-coagulate properties. This compound ensures that the blood flows effortlessly through the body and there are no clots formations in it.
Ginger
Ginger is a complete cardiac tonic. The herb has remarkable efficacy for lowering cholesterol levels in the body and improving blood circulation. It prevents the clotting of blood and ensures free flow of oxygen and nutrients to the brain. An Indian study on the efficiency of ginger revealed that taking just 2 teaspoons of garlic daily for a week can counteract the blood clotting caused by 100 grams butter.
Hawthorn
Another reason why the blood carrying oxygen and nutrients cannot adequately reach the brain is because of atherosclerosis (the narrowing or hardening of arteries). Hawthorn helps attenuate the condition by reducing the plaque buildup in the arteries and restoring normal flow of blood through them.
The above natural supplements are known to help in controlling and managing Stroke, but you should exercise proper caution and ask your doctor before adding any such supplements for in your diet. Herbs have lasting and strong effects on the body and can also interact with other drugs and medications, causing dangerous and adverse reactions. If you use any medication for your disease, talk to your doctor before you decide to start any supplements or herbal products to manage your health condition.